Hosted PDF link vs attachment

2026-03-11 Sharedoc Team

Hosted PDF links and attachments both have a place, but they solve different sharing problems.

A hosted PDF link is usually stronger when:

  • the document should open on a phone without extra friction
  • the same PDF needs to be reused in chat, email, and print
  • a QR code should point people to the document

When attachments still make sense

Attachments can still be fine for private one-to-one exchanges or internal approvals where public access is not the goal.

Sharedoc workflow

Sharedoc is built for the hosted-link path: upload the PDF once, copy the direct link, and reuse the QR code for printed handoffs.

FAQ

When is a hosted PDF link a better choice than an attachment?

It is a better fit when the PDF should open quickly on mobile, be reused in multiple channels, or be connected to a QR code.

Can a hosted PDF link work in print too?

Yes. The hosted link can be paired with a QR code so people can scan from printed materials and open the same document.